Cartier Santos-Dumont Large Model – Ref. WSSA0046

The Cartier Santos-Dumont is one of the most historically significant watches in the world. Its story dates back to 1904, when Louis Cartier created a wristwatch for Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, allowing him to read the time while flying. That pioneering relationship gave birth to one of the earliest purpose-built wristwatches and established a design language that Cartier continues to celebrate today.

Reference WSSA0046 presents the Santos-Dumont in a beautifully understated stainless steel case with black lacquer detailing. Measuring 43.5mm x 31.4mm while only 7.3mm thick, the elongated rectangular case wears elegantly on the wrist without feeling oversized. The combination of polished steel, rounded corners, and the distinctive exposed case screws creates the unmistakable Santos-Dumont aesthetic.

The centerpiece is the sophisticated black dial with square decoration and translucent lacquer, featuring classic Roman numeral hour markers and Cartier's signature sword-shaped steel hands. The beaded crown is set with a blue synthetic spinel cabochon, adding the perfect touch of Cartier color and refinement. A sapphire crystal protects the dial while maintaining the watch's slim, elegant profile.

Inside is the Cartier Manufacture Caliber 430 MC, a manually wound mechanical movement designed to complement the Santos-Dumont's exceptionally thin case. The movement provides approximately 38 hours of power reserve and focuses purely on the essentials: hours and minutes. The caseback is engraved with the handwritten signature of Alberto Santos-Dumont, adding a wonderful historical detail to an already iconic design.

The watch is completed by a black alligator leather strap and stainless steel ardillon buckle. With its elegant proportions, minimalist black dial, and unmistakable Cartier DNA, the WSSA0046 is equally at home with a suit or as an understated everyday dress watch.

A timeless Cartier that combines aviation history, Art Deco-inspired design, and traditional hand-wound Swiss watchmaking in one exceptionally elegant package.

Specifications

• Brand: Cartier

• Model: Santos-Dumont Large Model

• Reference: WSSA0046

• Year: 2024

• Case Dimensions: 43.5mm x 31.4mm

• Case Thickness: 7.3mm

• Case Material: Stainless Steel with Black Lacquer

• Bezel: Stainless Steel

• Crystal: Sapphire

• Dial: Black with Square Decoration & Translucent Lacquer

• Hour Markers: Roman Numerals

• Hands: Steel Sword-Shaped Hands

• Crown: Beaded Crown with Blue Synthetic Spinel Cabochon

• Movement: Cartier Manufacture Caliber 430 MC

• Movement Type: Manual Winding

• Jewels: 18

• Power Reserve: Approximately 38 Hours

• Functions: Hours & Minutes

• Strap: Black Alligator Leather

• Buckle: Stainless Steel Ardillon Buckle

• Water Resistance: 30 Meters / 3 Bar

• Caseback: Steel with Alberto Santos-Dumont Handwritten Signature Engraving

This set presents in excellent preowned condition with little to no signs of wear

It comes as a full set including: Outer/ Inner Box, 24 Warranty Card, Booklet, and care card.

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